Our nation is currently in the midst of Careers in Aging Week. In celebration of this annual event, Texas State University held a panel about job and career opportunities in aging services at which I was asked to speak. The good news is that the room was too small – there were about 50 students who showed up wondering about career opportunities in the aging services field. The students expressed genuine interest in the field and asked lots of questions about how to start working with seniors.

I hope many of these students, and other dedicated and inquisitive individuals like them, decide to work in our field. But their journey won’t stop there. Once they start working, these individuals will need guidance and nurturing along the way. We don’t develop leaders by accident – we have to be intentional. Providing educational opportunities, mentoring, stretching people’s comfort zones, giving staff a wide array of experiences, cross-training, in-service workshops, staff retreats, and setting high expectations are just some of the ways you are building your staff acumen.

LeadingAge Texas is currently offering opportunities for you to cultivate the potential of your community’s best and brightest:

• Leadership Institute: This program provides your rising stars and veteran staff with a tremendous opportunity for leadership development and professional growth. Ask any of the LeadingAge Alumni from the first six classes and they can tell you how it has improved their leadership skills, enlightened their perspective on the field, broadened their professional network, and sharpened their management skills. Everyone who has graduated from the program has enhanced their leadership abilites.
• Scholarships: Urge your staff to apply for a scholarship to attend the upcoming Annual Meeting & Trade Show! These scholarships are meant for individuals who ordinarily wouldn’t come to the conference or are first time attendees. Next month’s conference offers boundless opportunities for attendees to experience education, networking, and discovering new possibilities - be sure your staff doesn’t miss out!

Don’t miss out on these opportunities to nurture your staff!

Thank you for dedicating your career to aging services. Tell us how you’re celebrating Careers in Aging Week on our Facebook page!
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George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas